Berger 185 Gr Hybrid Hunter

[Nomosendero2]

I am going on a last minute Buffalo hunt. I have alot of 215 Burger bullets, but no time to load them. I have some 185 Gr; Fed.
Premium Berger Hybrid Hunter ammo that really shoots good. For anyone who has used this bullet, will it have adaquate penetration if forced to shoot the shoulder?
Thanks

 

[Precisionhunter417]

I wouldnt dare shoot a buffalo with a bullet of that design. The 230-250 class 30 call bullets would be my recomendation. No thin jacket types. Preferrably a larger caliber like a 338, 358, or 375 to make an ethical shot.

If you have to use a 30 caliber i would go get a new box of bullets intended for large game with a deep penetration expansion. There is 2' of body to get through befor you make it to the heart on a buffalo.

AI generated this responce:

Recommended Bullets for Buffalo Hunting​

When hunting buffalo, selecting the right bullet is crucial for a successful and humane kill. Here are some of the most effective calibers and their specifications:

Top Calibers for Buffalo Hunting​

.30-06	220 grains	2410 fps	2837 ft-lbs
.338 Win Mag	225 grains	2840 fps	4029 ft-lbs
.375 H&H	300 grains	2530 fps	4263 ft-lbs
.416 Rigby	400 grains	2415 fps	5180 ft-lbs
.45-70	405 grains	2000 fps	3597 ft-lbs

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Caliber​

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Bullet Weight​

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Approx Velocity​

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Approx Energy​

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Key Considerations​

• Bullet Weight: Heavier bullets (like those in the .375 H&H and .416 Rigby) provide better penetration and energy transfer, which is essential for large game like buffalo.
• Velocity and Energy: Higher velocity and energy help ensure a quick and humane kill. The .375 H&H is often recommended for its balance of power and shootability.
• Shot Placement: Aim for a lung shot for effective results. The larger the bullet, the quicker the animal will succumb to the shot.

​

Conclusion​

Choosing the right bullet for buffalo hunting involves considering caliber, bullet weight, and energy. The .375 H&H and .45-70 are popular choices among hunters for their effectiveness and reliability. Always ensure you are comfortable with your chosen caliber to maximize accuracy and control during the hunt.

Good hunting, post any pictures you can of that adventure.

 

[L.Sherm]

if forced to shoot the shoulder?

I wouldnt shoot the shoulder on any big game animal on purpose no matter what bullet it is.
Shot placement is key on anything.
Are these free ranging Buffalo? as is in pretty wild? Shot distance?

 

[323]

Not what the op asked but I would be looking to use a TSX, Partition, swift A frame for a buffalo hunt.

 

[Nomosendero2]

Pretty wild if someone has shot one the day before, I have seen it both ways.
We have killed 3 in the past with a 45/70, 405 grain cast out of a Marlon and Number 1 at 1800FPS.
With that, a shoulder shot is preferred to get bullet upset and more terminal damage, you will get total penetration, worked great.
I am not asking whether a shoulder shot is good in general, I have that one down pretty good.
I will try for a crease shot but you can't be as far back as a Deer.
I am asking for those who have used THIS BULLET if I have a quartering to shot of if I accidentally hit the rear of the shoulder, will I have adequate penetration?

 

[Nomosendero2]

Not what the op asked but I would be looking to use a TSX, Partition, swift A frame for a buffalo hunt.

So would I, I am leaving in the morning, I could not buy any of those locally.

 

[Nomosendero2]

I have no problem using a 215 Berger, I know what they will do.
I think this is a little short for caliber for a bullet of that design.

 

[Precisionhunter417]

We still dont know what the cartridge is. Are you loading on a 308 win, 30/06, 300 Weatherby???

 

[ISS]

I have killed three Bison with a shot apiece with a 500gr hard cast round-flat nose at 1450fps or so from my 45-70 Sharps 2/1 with the same load from my 1886 Winchester lever gun. A couple more with a 640gr RFN out of my 50-90.

I hope you are not talking Cape Buffalo with anything under 375 H&H. If the first shot does not drop them, they can suck up more slugs than a slot machine...

 

[Nomosendero2]

Bison Cow
300 WM

 

[Gary in MD]

I’m thinking that bullet through the lungs and that buff is in trouble.
Post results and pics!

 

[Relic]

A 300wm with a 215 hybrid has killed many big boned game! I would use it without doubt. Shot placement is everything! Bill

 

[Nomosendero2]

I’m thinking that bullet through the lungs and that buff is in trouble.
Post results and pics!

And you were correct
Straight down

 

[Nomosendero2]

A couple of pics
For some reason, I cannot post a pic of the terminal damage, it took out the shoulder and it looked like jello in the cavity.

 

[Relic]

Did you shoot it with the 300 wm?

 

[Nomosendero2]

Did you shoot it with the 300 wm?

Yes, as stated above.
I had no time to reload 215's, this was Fed Premium 185 Berger Hybrid Hunter. I have received info on another forum where several Bull Elk were killed with this bullet. As one person told me, use with confidence!

 

[ISS]

Best eating on this continent. Eland may beat it if you hunt Africa. I would like to take another Bison this December.

Where did you harvest this one?

thanks,

ISS

 

[ISS]

Note: we need to get you a nice Shiloh Sharps 1874 or Winchester M1886 in 45-70 or bigger...

 

[Nomosendero2]

Best eating on this continent. Eland may beat it if you hunt Africa. I would like to take another Bison this December.

Where did you harvest this one?

thanks,

ISS

South TX

 

[Nomosendero2]

Note: we need to get you a nice Shiloh Sharps 1874 or Winchester M1886 in 45-70 or bigger...

No, I killed one 3 years ago with a Marlin 45/70 and 405 gr Cast Per. Handloads, that was close enough!